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Add length to any dress or skirt with lace! An easy sewing technique for the beginner sewer. No Sewing Machine needed.
A couple of weeks ago there was a big event at work and we were asked to dress up in formal attire. Now I am a huge girly girl so that meant SHOPPING!!!
Saturday morning we got up and went to the mall for some retail therapy. I found a cute dress at JCPenny's for only $15 and I absolutely fell in love. It fit me perfectly and hugged the right curves and hid the bad ones.
The only problem is that it was a little too short for me to be comfortable. Oh, I do not like my ugly knees!
Well, I am a crafty kinda girl so I figured I could solve the problem and add length to the skirt.
First I was going to try to find a black fabric that was similar to the dress and create a ruffle on the bottom. But I found this lace in the trim section at JoAnn’s Fabric and it was perfect!
The ruffled trim is about 3 inches wide and the edge is already finished. Less work for me! (I also found white trim and made a mental note to remember that for next time.)
I did these alterations sitting in my son’s hospital room at Primary Children’s so I apologize that the pictures don’t have the best lighting. Yup, that same morning I went shopping was the same morning my son crashed on his skateboard and landed himself in the hospital for 4 days.
Sewing on the Lace Trim
Before I stitched the trim onto the hem of the dress I Pinned it in place because I wanted to make sure it would look right and match.
I tried it on and modeled it for my hubby. It was perfect!
I don't want the stitching to show on outside of the dress. That means hand stitching. I took extra care to only stitch on the inside layer of the hem and not go all the way through.
I told a couple of people about my alteration and they all said they never would have guessed. It looked like it should have been bought that way! That is exactly what I was going for.
I did get this great picture of my team and you can see my dress. I have to say that my absolute most favorite part of my outfit was my hot pink heels. I love them!
Will this easy alteration help you make your dress longer? Share and leave a comment below!
Our Sewing Essentials List
- The Sewing Machine we use is a Singer Fashion Mate and has been a great machine.
- The Cricut 18" x 24" Self Healing Cutting Mat is my favorite. Beautiful pattern on one side, and measurements on the other.
- This Rotary Cutter cuts easily and is very comfortable to hold.
- And one can never have enough Measuring Tapes! I'm always misplacing mine.
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Andi
What a great idea! I pretty frequently find dresses that are just a bit too short, so this is a good way to make them wearable!
Grammy Goodwill
Imagine being able to buy that fabric already ruffled. It was meant to be. You look great, and I love those heels, too.
Debra Kapellakis
You look great and those heels are pretty.
Debi Bolocofsky
This is a really cute idea. I have a link party, and I would love it if you would link this post. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. You can find it at
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/natural-translucent-face-powder-update.html
I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Libby
What a fantastic idea. Most of the time the dresses I find are too long or too short. The too long can be fixed with a chop and a hem, but now you've given me some ideas for the too short. Great idea and I hope your son is better now.
* Stopping by from Sweet Sharing Monday.
http://www.artisticexpressionsbyelisabeth.blogspot.com
Laura Cyra
Very crafty!! You're brave trying that out I would of never thought of that. Laura stopping by from Real Momma and the Best of Your Best Blog Hop!
Kelley @ Miss Information
I love it, thanks so much for linking up at the the Best of Your Best Blog hop at Miss Information!
Shiloh
That ruffle is a great idea. I've done lace and ribbons before, but a ruffle is terrific!
Erin
Nice !! love it!!
Nicole@Show Off Friday
That's brilliant and it makes the skirt look even more classy!
Jessi @ Practically Functional
That little ruffle looks great! Super smart idea, and you did a fabulous job stitching it 🙂 Stopping by from Winthrop Chronicles!
Mercy
Looks great! I'll have to try that!
Just Jaime
Smart!! I have a few skirts that could use this!
Sara @ My Merry Messy Life
Great job! Good pictures so that someone could actually follow your instructions. Thanks for linking up at Hookin On Hump Day!
Serena
I've often thought of doing this to short dresses but just have never had time. I think you've just motivated me to do it 🙂 Great job!
Serena Thrift Diving
Shannon
Looks great! I love crafty inventions! And to find trim that's already finished - total bonus!
AmieAnn
This is adorable.. what a great way to dress up and lengthen your skirt! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
xoxo
Amie @ Pinkapotamus
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin
Well, look at how cute you look! Great job!! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Megan/Brassy Apple
FABuLOUS!!! thanks for linking up to Ispy Refashion! I'll be sharing your link on my FB page!
Bethany
Great idea! Turned out so cute!
Karen at Bargain-ista.com
I had no idea you could buy ready-made ruffles! This post just may change my life 🙂 Darling dress, you look great!
dedivahdeals.com
Great idea - thanks for sharing.
Amy
A great idea, and really simple. Thanks.
Brittnei Washington
Adorable! You made that look so easy! I will definitely have to follow you to get more tips for later. I really want to get into sewing more. I'm so ambitious about it but everything else seems to be taking up my time. Thank you for linking up with the Mommy Monday Hop. I'm following you now on everything!! <3
Michele Reynolds
Your adorable and your ruffles are super sexy/girly! Pinned:) I posted DIY Doily Jacket this week:)
Michele Reynolds
Hope your son is doing better too:)